Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Southeast Arlington's best

Authentic spots

You have no patience for watered-down versions of the food you grew up with.

Based on 801 Opinions
+798
User
User
User
Updated April 2026
01
AL NABULSI Kabab & Gyros image 1
AL NABULSI Kabab & Gyros image 2
AL NABULSI Kabab & Gyros image 3
View all

Mediterranean restaurant serves authentic shawarma with generous portions in a cozy atmosphere. Wooden tables and benches create a family-friendly vibe perfect for casual meals or special occasions.

Food features authentic, homemade flavors prepared with care and love. Chicken shawarma stands out as fresh and full of flavor, reflecting authentic Mediterranean and Arabic cuisine.

People are saying

"The food here is fresh, flavorful, and really good."

"I found the food here to be authentic and remind me of home."

"They offered complimentary mint tea on the house."

Good to know

1

The Musakhan is a secret menu item that requires calling ahead.

2

The portion size could feed two people.

3

Their menu prices are extremely reasonable compared to other places that now charge a lot.

02
Saffron Kitchen and Bar image 1
Indian restaurant

Indian restaurant shines with authentic flavors from Nepal and India, featuring freshly made Biryani and lamb chops. Clean, elegant design pairs with a modern bar offering diverse cocktails. Live piano music creates a warm, vibrant vibe that invites guests to relax.

Dishes use authentic ingredients and follow traditional recipes from Nepal and India. The menu includes usual favorites and chef specials that capture true Nepali and Indian flavors.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be super flavorful and delicious."

"I found the Indian food here to be super flavorful and delicious."

"The food here has such authentic flavors, it's really delicious."

Good to know

1

Momo and biryani are 50% off for UTA students.

2

Happy hour specials are available; check the menu for details.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

03
Kunafa Factory image 1

Small bakery offers authentic Nabulsi kunafa with fresh, genuine flavors. Cozy, family-friendly space features outdoor seating that avoids harsh sun. A food truck adds to the casual, inviting vibe making it perfect for relaxed visits.

Fresh kunafa delivers authentic Middle Eastern flavors with real care in preparation. The Nabulsi style stands out as a genuine taste that transports to the region.

People are saying

"I had the best Kunafa I've ever experienced."

"The pistachio ice cream here is amazing and delicious."

"I experienced authentic kunafa that transported me to the Middle East."

Good to know

1

They accepted both card and cash payments.

2

Free parking is available.

3

There is limited seating inside the shop.

04
Pupuseria Olocuilta image 1

Cozy spot with authentic Salvadoran flavor shines for fresh pupusas and mojarra empanadas. Friendly staff add to the welcoming vibe. Small space keeps it casual and intimate.

Pupusas here have authentic Salvadoran flavor and come in large portions. The food stays true to traditional Salvadoran cuisine.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious, especially the pupusas."

"I found the food to be authentic Salvadoran flavor."

Good to know

1

Pupusas cost $2.75 each, which is a good price for the quality.

2

Seating is limited, so plan to arrive early if dining in.

3

Calling in orders can be inconsistent due to the small team.

05
Master Kabob image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Mediterranean spot shines with tender kabobs and a family-like atmosphere that feels peaceful. Authentic dishes bring home-cooked flavors rich in tradition. Dim lighting keeps the space comfortable and inviting for all guests.

Food features perfectly grilled kababs and fresh, flavorful dishes that reflect authentic Middle Eastern cooking. Meals taste like home-cooked recipes, rich in tradition and quality.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh, flavorful, and perfectly cooked."

"I found the kebabs here to be delicious and flavorful."

"The food here is authentic, fresh, and perfectly cooked."

Good to know

1

Master Kabob has a restriction on alcohol due to their Muslim faith.

2

The restaurant is known for its clean environment.

3

Prices at Master Kabob are considered very reasonable.

06
Chef Collette Catering & Africa Market image 1

African cuisine shines with authentic grilled fish and rich flavors. Affordable prices match generous portions in a clean, well-presented setting. Reliable service supports special occasions in a community-focused atmosphere.

Grilled fish here shows authentic Cameroonian style with rich flavors. The menu focuses on true African cuisine that stays close to traditional recipes.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be absolutely delicious."

"These pastries are visually stunning and taste even better."

"I loved the authentic African cuisine, bursting with rich, traditional flavors."

Good to know

1

Chef Collette Catering offers affordable prices for catering services.

2

The catering service is suitable for weddings, birthdays, and special events.

3

Chef Collette has a reputation for reliable and consistent service.

07
Dynamite Grill image 1
Restaurant

Hole-in-the-wall spot offers authentic Karachi taste and a real Philly cheese steak. Charming decor with nostalgic local photos sets a relaxed vibe. Spacious seating includes rocking booths and a homemade dessert display.

Dishes deliver an authentic Karachi taste and a very authentic Philly cheese steak. Burgers and other items maintain an authentic flavor throughout.

People are saying

"The food here is always fresh and delicious."

"The desserts here are homemade and amazing."

"I tried food that resembled my country's cuisine and it was authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open till midnight every night, which is uncommon in the area.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred.

3

Parking is available on-site, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours.

08
Silvia's Taqueria image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small family spot with a Christian vibe and inspiring scriptures on clean walls. Quiet, welcoming atmosphere makes dining pleasant. Menu shines with authentic Mexican street tacos and fresh, well-seasoned flavors.

Food shows true authentic Mexican flavors with care in every dish. Street tacos stand out as genuine and delicious for any meal or snack.

People are saying

"I thought this was the best Mexican food I had ever tasted."

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

"I found the food to be authentic and delicious."

Good to know

1

Menudo and Pozole are only served on Fridays and Saturdays.

2

The restaurant is family-owned and has a friendly atmosphere.

3

The price is below average and very reasonable.

09
African pride Food and kitchen image 1
West African restaurant

West African spot serves authentic dishes like egusi soup and jollof rice with generous portions and tender meat. Atmosphere feels family-oriented and welcoming. Prices stay affordable, making it a top choice for genuine African flavors.

Authentic African dishes like fufu, plantains, and traditional soups feature prominently. The food captures genuine flavors and textures typical of African cuisine.

People are saying

"I found the egusi soup to be amazing."

"The jollof rice at this Grocery Store is so flavorful and huge."

"I thought the authentic African food here was one of the best."

Good to know

1

The establishment serves both as a restaurant and a grocery store.

2

Prices for meals are generally reasonable compared to other places.

3

Portion sizes are generous, often leading to leftovers.

10
Las Maria’s Tortillería & Restaurante image 1

Small space with fresh handmade tortillas offers authentic Mexican cuisine like menudo and barbacoa. Atmosphere feels homey and loving, creating a community-oriented environment. Genuine flavors stand out from Tex-Mex styles.

Homemade dishes showcase authentic Mexican cuisine with a memorable atmosphere that feels genuine and traditional.

People are saying

"The food here is really tasty and tastes homemade."

"I highly recommend the menudo; it's the best Mexican food I've had."

"I found the food and atmosphere here to be authentic."

Good to know

1

The restaurant offers authentic Mexican cuisine, not Tex-Mex.

2

Prices for burritos start at $7 each.

3

Freshly made flour tortillas are available for $3.49 per dozen.

11
Taqueria Taco Express image 1
Mexican restaurant

Small Mexican spot shines with authentic tacos and fresh agua frescas. Cozy vibe pairs well with loud music, making it a laid-back place. Clean space invites quick, casual meals with bold flavors.

Food offers fresh, flavorful dishes with a strong authentic taste. Drinks include authentic agua frescas that stand out.

People are saying

"I loved the street tacos; they had so much great flavor."

"I found the burritos here to be large and satisfying."

"I found the food here to be really authentic and flavorful."

Good to know

1

The Taco Tuesday deal offers 5 tacos and a drink for $10.

2

Expect a 40-minute wait for your order during busy times.

3

They now have an app for ordering ahead and picking up food.

12
Tarboosh Gyro Grill image 1
Mediterranean restaurant

Small dining room with Arabic decor offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors, especially Lebanese and Syrian cuisine. Open kitchen adds to lively, family-friendly vibe. Simple seating fits casual, eat-and-go style with nonstop music and occasional noise.

Food offers authentic Middle Eastern flavors with fresh ingredients and well-prepared dishes. Lebanese and Syrian cuisine stands out as delicious and satisfying.

People are saying

"The food here is so delicious, I forgot to take a picture."

"The salad portions are generous with lots of meat and toppings."

"The food here is so spot on and authentic, especially the smoky baba ganoush."

Good to know

1

Expect a wait time of 20-30 minutes during busy lunch hours.

2

The restaurant charges an 18% automatic tip on all bills.

3

Bring your own napkins as they are not provided for free.

13
Cafe Sicilia Arlington image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian village-style decor sets a cozy, old school tone with warm accent lighting. Guests enjoy authentic flavors through a reasonably priced menu that stays true to tradition. BYOB policy adds to the family-friendly vibe and hidden gem appeal.

Food offers authentic Italian flavors with a delicious and reasonably priced menu. Dishes consistently deliver a very good taste true to traditional Italian cuisine.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and plentiful."

"The Italian food's sauces, especially Alfredo and marinara, tasted amazing."

"The food here is amazing and authentic."

Good to know

1

Cafe Sicilia Arlington is BYOB, allowing guests to bring their own wine or beer.

2

The lunch specials are affordable and include iced tea, salad, and garlic bread rolls.

3

Expect generous portion sizes; a pizza can feed five people for $21.

14
Brooklyn's Best Pizza & Pasta image 1

Murals create an authentic New York vibe in a chill, mom and pop setting. Pizza features a crispy thin crust true to Brooklyn style. Booths show wear but add to the old-timey pizza parlor feel.

Offers authentic Brooklyn-style pizza with a crispy thin crust that tastes like it came straight from New York. The dining room also has an authentic feel that matches the Italian food.

People are saying

"I thought the pizza was amazing, just like New York slices."

"These date spots serve authentic New York-style pizza."

"This authentic pizza tastes just like Brooklyn."

Good to know

1

Lunch specials are available from 11 AM to 2 PM.

2

Expect a busy atmosphere during lunch hours, but the line moves quickly.

3

The restaurant does not accept phone payments due to fraud concerns.

15
Tacos El Mamon image 1
Taco restaurant

Simple taco stand buzzes with a crowded atmosphere and fresh flavors. Tacos deliver authentic Mexican taste with minimal English spoken, enhancing the genuine vibe. Strong local reputation ensures consistent quality that draws taco lovers.

Tacos here offer a true authentic Mexican taco experience with no Tex-Mex influence. Only one or two crew members speak English, adding to the genuine atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the tacos here to be pretty amazing."

"I thought the campechana quesadilla was so good."

"I found the tacos here to be truly authentic Mexican."

Good to know

1

The special for two is available on Monday and Tuesday.

2

Thursday features a special that is worth checking out.

3

Bring cash for water, as free water is not provided.

16
Sunny Thai Arlington image 1
Thai restaurant

Cozy dining room offers vegetarian options and a relaxed vibe with soft music. Authentic Thai dishes shine with spices and flavors, like crab fried rice with eggs and rich curry chicken. Clean, airy space makes meals comfortable and inviting.

Dishes showcase authentic Thai spices and flavors. Crab fried rice topped with two fried eggs adds a comforting touch. Curry chicken comes rich and aromatic, staying true to traditional taste.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the flavorful yellow curry."

"The Thai food here, especially the Drunken Noodles, is super good."

"The food here bursts with authentic Thai flavors."

Good to know

1

The menu includes a wide variety of vegetarian and vegan options.

2

Prices are reasonable, with entrees averaging around $20.

3

Expect a 15-minute wait for your order during busy hours.

17
Tacos Y Mas image 1
Restaurant

Bright, clean space serves authentic street tacos with phenomenal birria and tasty barbacoa on corn tortillas. Casual atmosphere offers no long waits and a free salsa bar for customization. Vegan and seafood options add variety to the menu.

Real authentic street tacos come fresh and affordable here. The food stays true to traditional flavors without compromise.

People are saying

"These birria tacos are crispy, fresh, and drenched in flavor."

"The salsa bar has so many options, from mild to extra hot."

"I found the food here to be authentic and fantastic."

Good to know

1

Tacos Y Mas serves breakfast all day.

2

They offer vegan options and seafood.

3

The variety of salsas is impressive, with heat levels indicated.

18
Shawarma Press - Arlington image 1
Middle Eastern restaurant

Spacious interior and plenty of seating create a peaceful home vibe. Enjoy authentic chicken shawarma wraps that taste better than beef. Perfect for casual chats with family or friends in a relaxing atmosphere.

Food offers authentic chicken shawarma wraps in different sizes, with the chicken version generally tasting better than the beef. The overall vibe feels unique and authentic.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, really good and delicious."

"I found the shawarma wrap to be really good Mediterranean food."

"I found the authentic chicken shawarma and falafels to be the best here."

Good to know

1

Parking can be difficult at Shawarma Press, so plan accordingly.

2

The restaurant is located inside a Walmart, making it convenient for shoppers.

3

Expect quick service; food typically comes out very fast.

19
Chicken Pullita - Debbie Lane image 1

Massive wood fire pit sets a casual vibe with authentic Mexican flavors like smoky firewood chicken. Free salad and garnish cart adds customization. Popular spot offers quick bites like Chicken Pullita with genuine taste and short wait times.

Casual spot serves authentic Mexican food with flavors that stand out as a rare find nearby. Chicken Pullita offers a quick bite with genuine taste, though the rice side lacks traditional flavor.

People are saying

"The ribs were seasoned to perfection and had a great flavor."

"I loved the flavorful red and green salsas."

"I found the authentic Mexican food to be the best in the area."

Good to know

1

Street tacos cost $2.99 each, which is a good deal.

2

The wait time is shorter compared to other places.

3

The restaurant is very casual, perfect for a quick bite.

Discover more

Southeast Arlington, Arlington

Area guide
Loading Map...